The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

‘Huntsman:’ a good laugh

“The Huntsman: Winter’s War” is entertaining for all the wrong reasons.

Despite the $170 million budget, the film is laughably ill-conceived and poorly executed.

Even the film’s all-star cast, comprised of Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Emily Blunt, Jessica Chastain and Liam Neeson’s narration, cannot save this disastrous movie. 

 ELISE MITCHELL
ELISE MITCHELL

The film begins with sorceress Ravenna (Theron) warning her sister Freya (Blunt) about the deadly fate of Freya’s lover and newborn child.

When Ravenna’s predictions are fully realized, Freya goes on a murderous grief-fueled rampage across various kingdoms and assembles an army of orphaned children along the way.

Two of her adopted warrior-children, Sara (Chastain) and Eric (Hemsworth), defy Freya’s laws against love and affection, falling deeply in love over the years.

The film is ridiculously disjointed and unoriginal, and it seems as though director Cedric Nicolas-Troyan made no effort to create a film that made any logical sense.

The illogical nature of the film is illustrated by the jumping between different genres. “The Huntsman: Winter’s War” can be classified as a fantasy action-adventure film similar to “Lord of the Rings,” but at times is also bizarrely reminiscent of the “Hunger Games” and “Frozen.”

The dialogue is equally poorly executed and as completely unpredictable as the overall plot. Characters jump from serious introspection, to making sexual innuendos, to contemplating the meaning of motherhood and love.  

Ultimately, “The Huntsman: Winter’s War” lacks coherence in terms of plot and overall message.

Despite the questionable quality of the film, “The Huntsman: Winter’s War” is worth seeing for a good laugh or quick distraction.

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‘Huntsman:’ a good laugh